Updated review just to continue to rave about our experiences with Douglas as our artist and the shop overall. Such an amazing group of people at Prospect Ink (check out their Instagram to see all the amazing pieces they're putting out). I have another appt coming up and couldn't be more excited! The vibe is always welcoming and relaxing, clean, and everyone is so friendly. You truly feel like you belong when you're there. Sharing photos from my husband and I's most recent visits read more

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10/10-An Amazing Experience at Prospect Ink Sometimes things just seem to happen for a reason, and that's exactly how I ended up at Prospect Ink in La Jolla. About six months ago, I happened to watch a YouTube video featuring Amagansett Press, and Monica from Prospect Ink was indirectly part of the interaction. I remember being really impressed by Monica's professionalism and the way she handled the situation. I also remember the incredible views from the tattoo shop and thought it looked like such a unique place. At the time, I never imagined I would actually end up there. Fast-forward to our San Diego vacation this past week. My wife and I were having dinner at Duke's in La Jolla when I looked over toward the building next door and thought, that looks familiar. Then it clicked, it was Prospect Ink, the tattoo shop I had seen in that YouTube video months earlier! It was such a random and unexpected coincidence that we were on vacation, having dinner right next door to a place I had remembered from that video. I had already been thinking about getting a simple tattoo featuring our daughters' initials and birth years, and suddenly Prospect Ink seemed like the perfect place to do it. Honestly, it felt a little serendipitous. Because we were on vacation and had a pretty tight schedule, I called the shop to see what their availability was. Monica was fantastic from that very first phone call. She went over the options with me and was incredibly accommodating in trying to find a time for the next day that would work with our schedule. Later that evening, after dinner, we decided to stop into the shop to meet Monica and check the place out. Monica was just as warm and welcoming in person as she had been on the phone. In fact, she offered to have one of the artists stay late and do my tattoo that same evening instead of waiting until the next day. She introduced us to Samara, who ended up being my tattoo artist, and I couldn't have asked for a better experience. Samara took the time to make sure everything was exactly what I wanted, the size, placement, and color of the ink. She was patient, attentive, and made sure I was comfortable with every detail before getting started. The tattoo turned out exactly how I wanted it. It's a simple tattoo, but it has a lot of meaning to me because it represents our two daughters and their birth years. Having Samara take the time and care to get every detail right made the experience even more special. The shop itself is incredible. It's modern, beautiful, exceptionally clean, and has a great atmosphere. Everyone we met was friendly and welcoming. And the patio balcony overlooking La Jolla Cove and the Pacific Ocean is spectacular. What an amazing view to have from a tattoo studio! From the unexpected way I discovered Prospect Ink, to Monica's incredible help in making the appointment happen, to Samara's amazing work, the entire experience was a 10/10 from start to finish. I honestly can't say enough good things about Monica, Samara, and everyone at Prospect Ink. We're so glad that little coincidence led us through their doors. What a great memory of our vacation in La Jolla. I would highly recommend Prospect Ink to anyone looking for a welcoming, professional, and talented tattoo studio. read more

Monica's energy and presence are top tier. She made the whole experience feel welcoming from the start, and the free consultation was a huge plus. On top of that, the view is amazing. Definitely recommend checking this place out. read more

Prospect Ink - Lobby - Tattoo Near Me - San Diego, California

I'm writing this review from the tattoo chair because this has just been such a great experience! I am in town for work and didn't want to pass up the opportunity for a Friday the 13th flash tattoo, so I made my way to Prospect Ink. Monica welcomed me in so kindly and showed me to the patio where I enjoyed a gorgeous ocean view while choosing a design. My artist, Z, helped me find a placement that would work with my body, and she made 4 different stencils just to be sure that we got the perfect location. I am so impressed with the professionalism and customer service that Z provided, and I would send anyone looking for a tattoo in the area to her. I'll update this review with photos once the tattoo is finished and healed! read more

Prospect Ink - View from the patio - Tattoo Near Me - San Diego, California

Hands down the most beautiful studio with the warmest, most welcoming staff. My sisters and I had such a wonderful experience with Samara and Joice -- they were so patient, informative, and genuinely made us feel comfortable every step of the way. Their work speaks for itself, and we couldn't have asked for a better experience. Truly a 10/10 read more

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Everyone here was super nice, and the quality of work is great and reasonably priced. one watch out is going to be parking! be prepared to pay $20 for parking in the area and factor in traffic when making it to your appointment. read more

Excellent management (Monica is awesome), great energy, clean and beautiful shop with the million dollar view! Great promo via Amagansett Press read more

This place is AMAZING!!! It was our first time coming to a tattoo shop in SD and it was great! The customer service was awesome! The view from La Jolla is insane! They even gave us pieces of steak and sausage and omg I can keep going about this place. Everyone was so sweet and the other artists would come and talk you and just try to get to know you. People that are getting tattoos even come and look at the work they're doing on and just everyone was so engaging and the vibes were just amazing! The guys all have a good hand I saw each and every one of their artworks and it's amazing what they do. Looking for a tattoo shop in San Diego, please check out Prospect Ink, you won't be disappointed. read more

This place is definitely the go to if you want a tattoo in San Diego!! Monica the manager is incredible, so welcoming and friendly. Loved every vibe of the artists here. Gotta come back soon to get tatted read more

The best experience I've had at any tattoo shop! The view cannot be beat. Super super clean. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming. Monica is the best. She made me feel right at home. I worked with Muchy to design a piece that I've been thinking about for awhile. He helped bring it to life and did a STELLAR job. The attention to detail is unmatched. I could not be happier! read more

Prospect Ink - Tattoo Near Me - San Diego, California

5/5 Stars -- An Unforgettable Tattoo Experience at Prospect Ink I recently got a tattoo at Prospect Ink in La Jolla, and I can confidently say it was one of the best decisions I made in 2025. From start to finish, the experience was exceptional--and I'm breaking it down by category to do it justice: 1. First Impressions & Consultation First impressions matter, and my consultation with Douglas Santos set the tone for what would become an outstanding experience. His energy was welcoming, professional, and intentional. Douglas took the time to understand my vision, offer his artistic insight based on tattoo placement, and walk me through what to expect. He even offered snacks and drinks--small details that made a lasting impression. 2. Booking & Communication Booking was seamless. I communicated primarily via email with both Douglas and Tifani, the studio's scheduling assistant (not sure of her official title, but she was super helpful!). Any questions or changes I had were always addressed within 24 hours, which made the entire process feel smooth and well-organized. 3. Location, Ambiance & Studio Vibe Prospect Ink is next-level when it comes to ambiance. Located in scenic La Jolla, the shop overlooks the ocean from a cliffside--a view you don't forget. Inside, the studio is modern, bright, and incredibly clean. Unlike dim, moody shops I've been to before, this space felt both upscale and homey. It instantly put me at ease. 4. Tattoo Work, Pricing & Day-of Experience Let's talk value. I'll admit--I was hesitant at first when I heard the pricing. But after experiencing a full-day session with Douglas and seeing the final result, I realized I got way more than I paid for. Douglas's all-day session pricing is more than fair for the level of skill, attention to detail, and time you're receiving. I got my neck tattooed, which I knew could be painful. Douglas offered numbing cream beforehand (I declined for ego reasons, not smart lol), and while the area was definitely uncomfortable, he was not the reason--it's just a sensitive spot. His hand was light, and he constantly checked in, offering breaks, lunch, or adjustments to keep me comfortable. You can tell he truly cares about both his craft and his clients. 5. Shoutouts to the Team A big thank you to Ivan, Monica, and the rest of the Prospect Ink crew--everyone was welcoming, helpful, and added to the overall positive vibe. There was another artist or assistant who helped out as well (I regret not catching his name!), but the whole team deserves props. Final Verdict: 10/10 tattoo. 10/10 experience. If you're in or near San Diego, Prospect Ink should be at the top of your list. As long as I'm in the area, this will be my go-to tattoo home. read more

Prospect Ink - Neck tattoo 1st session (not finished product) - Tattoo Near Me - San Diego, California

My experience with a tattoo artist who goes by "Z" at this studio was completely miserable. My sister and I wanted to get tattoos at the same time and Z was available. We both had our free consultations where we talked about designs and then scheduled a date. My first problem lies in how she dealt with pricing for my sister's tattoo. Prior to starting the tattoo she came up with a design, made a stencil, and accepted the deposit. My sister goes in for her appointment and gets the tattoo. Z did not discuss the final price beforehand, and post-facto disclosed a price much higher than my sister had expected. This subpar communication leads me to my next qualm. After my free consultation I go in for my scheduled appointment time, she discovers I have a metal allergy, decided to do a color test (meaning nine different dots on my toe) to see if any of the inks would cause a reaction. In this same appointment she shows me the sketch she has done of my tattoo (a very basic outline of a sage plant that frankly I could have drawn in moments). A couple weeks pass in order for my toe to heal, we are in contact and we set a date. Three days before I am meant to go in I decide I no longer want this tattoo. The receptionist says she will carry out the refund and proceeds to confirm my card info. Right before processing the refund, the receptionist retracts, saying that Z refused the refund. As justification, Z states she had spent "hours" on my design (the outline) and did a free color test. She did not try to come to a compromise, and she had never explicitly disclosed her "no-refund" policy. Tattoos are meaningful and permanent. Basic integrity includes transparency and good-faith communication. Personally, I have never seen such piss poor customer service/lack of disclosure when it comes to policies. I would recommend not booking at this studio. read more

Super nice service and super great artists, and by far one of the coolest tattoo studios in San Diego. The view is incredible, the people are friendly and the art is amazing. They got my wife in on sort notice for a surprise birthday session and really made the entire experience feel seamless and easy. read more

I have been wanting to get tattooed by Ivan for SOOO LONG! He's so talented, just look how spot on this portrait is his Insta is @cavassanatattoo His tattooing style is so light handed and my tattoo didn't swell at all over the healing process and it didn't get super scabby. Which normally happens with other tattoos I've gotten. He's very patient, kind and makes sure he gives you EXACTLY what you want. The view while getting this tattoo was BREATHTAKING to say the least! I 100% recommend and will be back to work on this sleeve thanks Ivan! read more

Prospect Ink - Tattoo Near Me - San Diego, California

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I got this tattoo and a coworker asked if it was a fake tattoo because he was under the impression that it was too perfect and I guess that says it all Big thanks to Joice for doing such a beautiful job and all the crew from Prospect Ink! I highly recommend this studio not just because of the quality of the tattoo artist's work but also for its high stards when it comes to costume service, me and my friend (who also got a beautiful tattoo done by Joice) received an amazing costume service since the first minute we reached out to them and for that I would like to give a shout out to Lucas as well. Thank you very much guys! You are doing a killer job! Keep going with the good work. read more

Prospect Ink - Tattoo Near Me - San Diego, California

A beautiful space cerainly not what I expected from a tattoo parlor, owner is very friendly and welcoming.

Out of all tattoo shops I've been to, this spot has the nicest view of them all. Big outside patio to hangout and relax during tattoo sessions. Very meditative area. On top of the scenic view, the customer service here is I was greeted warmly as soon as I entered. I continued to receive top notch hospitality the whole duration of my stay at Prospect. There are many shops/eateries around if you get hungry and want something to munch on. If you don't feel like walking anywhere, Prospect is more than generous by offering a variety of snacks/drinks. I'm a veteran when it comes to getting tattoo'd but if you are a first time collector you will feel comfortable during the process of your very first tattoo. I am unfamiliar with the resident artists here, but I did book with guest artist that frequently visits here (Kenni Poke). He is amazing at illustrative/Japanese/Neo Traditional. Also equally great at black and grey/color. The only thing better than his talent, is his personality. True definition of what a tattoo artist should be. Thanks for everything read more

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I walked in for my first ever tattoo and I had Sara as my consultor and not just that but also are my artist and she did AWESOME!! She was so kind and helped walk me through it, kept me entertained so I didn't think about the pain, I highly recommend this places Full of wonderful tattoo artists!! Also the lady with the neck tattoos and black hair was very welcoming and comforting!! read more

Prospect Ink - Tattoo Near Me - San Diego, California

Steph is a treasure of an artist. She is extremely talented yet humble, and she gives off the vibe that she's there to work with you. She has a very calm and confident demeanor, which is important when undergoing a body modification. I really appreciated her punctuality, sincerity, and all around hard work. I saw from her profile that she's really dedicated to enhancing the body with art, which is exactly what I was after. I was never made to feel bad for asking questions or squirming from the needle hitting a nerve. I love when professionals are able to explain their decisions to create understanding, and not react to inquiries with defensiveness. At the end of the day, it's your body and if you're curious about an aspect of what's being done to it, you should be able to ask, within reason, of course. All I did was come in with a reference picture and general explanation and let her create the rest. While it was not exactly like the reference, you can see where the inspiration was drawn. I did my best to be open minded with no expectations and the result really blew me away. It really felt like she was passionate about what she does, which is not something that applies to every artist. I cannot recommend her enough. The shop as a whole is also friendly and I think it's cute they provide snacks and coffee. The location is also nice, albeit pricey, but Steph is the highlight! read more

Steph is the best!!! very creative and professional! I really recommended this place!!! The best tattoo studio in town! Prospect ink ‍ studio with good and attentive people! coffee, tea, water and snacks! read more

Prospect Ink - Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - San Diego, California

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Quality tattoos and awesome vibe! Hade a wonderful time and experience with our artist Joice :) read more

Prospect Ink - Got matching tattoos with my husband! Our artist was Joice. We had such a great experience with them:) will definitely come back ! - Tattoo Near Me - San Diego, California

I truly can't say enough about my experience at Prospect Ink. The space is beautiful and welcoming. Every single person is kind, respectful and thoughtful. They have coffee, water, snacks, hygiene products, and amazing views. It is obvious that they care about each other and their customers. As my dog aged, I had started looking for an artist to honor him and found Ivan. We had a phone consultation prior to my appointment and then discussed the design when I got there. Ivan is an amazing artist who listens, advises based on his extensive knowledge, and ensures the placement is perfect. He was very light-handed and took his time to create something beautiful that truly represented the emotion of my dog. I 100% recommend this place and am excited to return for future projects. read more

Prospect Ink - Tattoo Near Me - San Diego, California

In summary: I had a wonderful experience and will 100% be coming back to Douglas at Prospect Ink! Detailed review: I found Douglas on Instagram. After looking at his portfolio I knew his style/aesthetic was exactly what I was looking for. I messaged him to introduce myself and ask for a quote on my idea - he responded quickly, kindly, and professionally. Wonderful first impression. I then messaged him with my vision, inspiration photos and what my meaning was behind it, so he knew what was going on inside my head. He was a great listener and I am confident that he really took what I said to heart while creating my tattoo. I scheduled an appointment with him for about a week out. Spent the whole time super excited. Then it was the day-off, I was so excited. The shop is right on a Main Street in La Jolla - I got lucky and found parking right along the road. But I've heard there are parking garages around too. The shop was stunning. I mean absolutely stunning. Clean, welcoming, with lots of natural light, overlooking the ocean with huge window walls. The most beautiful shop I've ever seen, hands down. I was greeted by Douglas outside the shop (it's in a building with other shops, so he directed me back to the correct suite). He greeted me with a big smile and wonderful energy. I felt like I was being greeted by an old friend even though it was my first time meeting him in person. As I walked up to the shop, I was greeted by all the other artists as well. What a grand entrance! Douglas and I sat on big couch and he showed me his sketch of my scales. It was... absolutely magnificent. He absolutely understood my vision and I could tell he incorporated my style into every aspect of it. My inspiration was balance and some other personal stuff. He made the most beautiful scale; with delicate and intricate details. Then the tattoo started. It went smoothly. I watched a show on my phone to help distract myself. He was very friendly while we chatted. We took a few breaks to stretch. There was snacks if you needed it. My tattoo lasted 4 hours. I got to look out over the beach-goers walking along the shore and see all the seals. It was the most amazing view. Afterwards, I was able to pay via Venmo which was very convenient. They had a very nice photographer who was very professional and respectful take a few photos (I forgot to get his name!) I am already excitedly planning my next tattoo which I will absolutely be coming back to Douglas. read more

Prospect Ink - Scales tattoo by Douglas - Tattoo Near Me - San Diego, California

My wife and I recently lost our dog and we're looking for a good tattoo shop to get a memory piece done and lucked out finding everyone at Prospect. Amazing artists and amazing people. After seeing their art I went from getting a small piece done to getting a sleeve and was blown away with what Ivan did for me. I now have a life long memory I thoroughly enjoy. My wife and I found a shop that treats you like family from the get go and won't be going anywhere else for tattoos. Thanks to Ivan and Douglas for being genuine and stand up guys and everyone else in the shop for being so welcoming and real. Also the shop is kept in immaculate condition and in an amazing location! read more

Prospect Ink - Tattoo Near Me - San Diego, California

I want to come at this review as three separate people 1. An avid tattoo enthusiast 2. A native San Diegan 3. A woman Reason being- I was beyond impressed with this shop for three equally important reasons 1. The quality of work coming from this shop is incredible 2. The location could not be better 3. In an industry that can sometimes make women feel like they don't belong, this shop says that they absolutely do in subtle and important ways I had been following all of the artists at this shop for quite some time and when I won an Instagram giveaway for a full day session at half price I was over the moon. I got to spend 8 hours getting a piece from Steph and it was a perfect experience. She understood my concept and executed it perfectly. She was concise and light handed. She allowed conversation to flow when I could talk and allowed me to suffer in silence when I couldn't. She made the experience fantastic but she wasn't alone. That viiiiiiieeewwww. Like how. How could a woman who has lived here her whole life still be stunned by the view some buildings posses!? And this one possesses it. I've had my fair share of meals by the ocean but never did I think I'd get to enjoy it while getting a tattoo. I appreciate that this shop decided to give us just that, a fantastic view of the ocean. But beyond the view, I noticed a small but very very important detail. In the bathroom were feminine products. I know this may seem small but never have I seen a shop provide such an important product that caters specifically to the comfort of a woman. If I didn't love and respect this shop enough before seeing those- I sure did once I did. Thank you Prospect Ink and thank you Steph for a truly perfect experience. read more

Prospect Ink - Tattoo Near Me - San Diego, California

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It was the best tattoo experience - clean, friendly, and detail-oriented. I wanted my dad's signature, and I'm glad I trusted Douglas. read more

Prospect Ink - The tattoo I got at prospect ink - Tattoo Near Me - San Diego, California

First things first, this shop is beautiful. With views over looking seal beach as you prepare for your appointment, tranquility and comfort is something prospect has put enormous effort into. Not only that but it's the cleanest and most welcoming tattoo shop I've ever been in. Ivan is a super cool guy and really listens and takes his time to make sure you're getting exactly what you want. With an incredibly light hand he could make the most painful spot painless. If you come here, no other shop will ever compare, so be prepared. I will be back read more

Prospect Ink - The work - Tattoo Near Me - San Diego, California

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This was a life changing experience with Douglas. The establishment is breathtakingly beautiful and Douglas is a gem of a soul, from his dedication to his art to his calming presence.First tattoo and I was put at ease and the process was so smooth and thorough... I look forward to going back in a few months of course to see Douglas!! read more

Prospect Ink - First tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - San Diego, California

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Today I got my first tattoo and I chose Steph at Prospect Ink. I received very good service, she answered all my questions and did an incredible job. My experience was incredible. I already want to book another tattoo with Stephany, she is the best tattoo artist in San Diego. It turned out much better than I imagined, I loved my first tattoo. @steph.tatoos read more

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Many artists to choose from in San Diego but Ivan is top notch. Talented, professional, and incredibly down to earth. He completed my palm tree tattoo on my calf in a couple hours and I was very satisfied at the outcome. Safe to say, Ivan will be my go-to artist now in San Diego. A final note is that this is likely the cleanest shop you'll ever find and the view of the ocean is unbeatable while getting the pieces done! read more

Prospect Ink - Palm tree tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - San Diego, California

Hands down the most beautiful shop in San Diego with the most amazing view of La Jolla Cove. Everyone is friendly and welcoming, incredible artists, and are there for all the right reasons. I can't recommend Prospect Ink enough -- Ivan Cavassana is a realism genius, and a great person as well. read more

Prospect Ink - Paris Catacombs inspired design - Tattoo Near Me - San Diego, California

I could not have asked for a better place to have gotten the tattoo I got. My dog passed away and I was looking for an artist who would do justice to my baby. I asked for three artists in particular to see if one of them had any availability since I was only down there for the weekend and was fortunate that Douglas had some time. So the following things are what really stood out from this place. - Douglas was unbelievably kind and accommodating. He went over multiple designs with me to make sure that I got what I wanted. - When arriving, both he and Ivan were so damn kind! I have an infant and upon them hearing that I was offered a coffee immediately which I 100% needed. - The shop is so clean and nice and located with a view that overlooks the ocean which created a really calm atmosphere. - They aren't pompous assholes like I've experienced at other shops. - LADIES! They have feminine products in the restroom in case you have the need which just blew my mind. I was so glad I came across this shop because they really went over the top to make it such an amazing experience and unknowingly, they helped with my grieving process. I couldn't be happier with the tattoo and with their mannerism. read more

Prospect Ink - Tattoo Near Me - San Diego, California

I love Prospect Ink! It's a clean, beautiful studio with an incredible view. Can't wait for my next tattoo with Douglas! read more

Prospect Ink - Tattoo Near Me - San Diego, California

I worked with Douglas, who was very professional and incredibly personable. We worked together to really bring my vision to life in the design stage and although the style was a bit out of his comfort zone, he did an amazing job incorporating all of the elements I wanted in a way that flows very well stylistically while keeping it clean and aesthetic. Douglas is a true artist (he freehanded everything with sharpies!!) and I highly recommend working with him because his passion shows through his work, all the while taking great care of his clients and respecting their time. Vibe of the shop was also great, a very clean and welcoming atmosphere. read more

Prospect Ink - Smoke and flower tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - San Diego, California

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i went to go get a small tattoo and paid $250 not including tip. The issue wasn't the price, the issue was that I paid and then a couple days later it has already started fading significantly. this is my first tattoo so i was sure to follow every after care step this is my first tattoo experience and im pretty upset. read more

Prospect Ink - two days later - Tattoo Near Me - San Diego, California

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TLDR: The Prospect Ink studio is amazing and Douglas is fantastic. The long read: I have been following Ivan's work since I moved to San Diego in 2018, but I never pulled the trigger on a tattoo. In that time he opened Prospect Ink which I also followed from a distance. Fast forward to this past weekend, my sister was visiting from Arizona and wanted to get matching tattoos with me. Being a bit of a last minute idea we knew we would need to do a walk in somewhere and Prospect Ink had posted on instagram they were open for walk ins so we decided to give it a shot. To start - the studio itself is amazing, fantastic views with an ocean breeze, and snacks in the waiting area. The artist that was available to take us on as walk ins was Douglas and after our tattoos were finished we could only think about how lucky we were to have him as he blew our expectations out of the water. He took his time with placement making sure the tattoo would look good no matter how the body moved which I really appreciated. Then the tattoos themselves turned out amazing. The line work was fine and crisp and the amount of detail Douglas captured from our reference picture in his shade work was incredible considering the tattoos weren't very large. Beyond the artwork, as a person Douglas was incredibly kind and welcoming. He shared that he just moved from the east coast a few weeks ago to be a part of the team at Prospect Ink and I'm convinced that is the only reason he had time to take us as walk-ins. So if you are looking to get a new tattoo go see Douglas at Prospect Ink before the rest of San Diego finds out he is here and he gets booked out! read more

Do amazing work! Definitely take pride in their craft and the view alone when getting tattooed is worth it, but I would go to them even if they were in a cardboard box! read more

Douglas is amazing!!! So nice and talented. Will for sure come back. Loved the complementary snacks and drinks

Ivan is one of the most talented artists I've ever seen, never mind had the pleasure of getting to spend a whole day with. Dude has the best, kindest, energy. You'd never think from seeing his sick art, but that's the kinda energy you want going into your body during the transformation process. Highly recommended; and won't go elsewhere. Worth every penny. read more